Saturday, 31 May 2014

This Week in Whisk(e)y #8

As you might know if you read this blog regularly, we get a fair few interesting press releases and news articles here at TimeforWhisky, and usually try to feature them with our own spin, experiences or comments. Sometimes though, they come thick and fast, and we just don't have time to do them all justice.

So we've decided to take a leaf out of some other excellent whisky blogs, and feature a "PR roundup" every now and then - basically a wrap-up of relevant press releases we've received in the previous week (or other interesting whisk(e)y news Steph & I think you might enjoy). So on with it then...

The Whisky Weekend - Grain to Grass Chatting to Julian and Brooke from Melbourne's Whisky+Alement at the Suntory Launch recently, Jules mentioned having a pretty busy June. When I received the following press release from the National Trust of Victoria, I saw what he meant! The bar is teaming up with the National Trust of Victoria for a number of exciting events. If you're in Melbourne in late June, some of these would be well worth checking out.

"Rare and Limited Edition Whisky Tasting (Exclusive for 30) -Thursday 19th of June 20145.30pm for a start 6.00pm until 8.30pm.A tasting of 6 very rare whiskies will be served at Tasma Terrace boardroom taken from 4 private collections.Presented by Whisky expert, Whisky and Alement bar owner/operator Julian White. The night will begin in our prestigious Heritage room with a welcome speech by the CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the whiskies with a collective market value of over $5,850 will be sampled. Canapés will be prepared by CNK food design.Tasma Terrace - 6 Parliament Place, East MelbournePrice: $130/person

Whisky Pop up Bar - Friday 20th of June 2014 Doors open at 6.00pm – 9.00pmThe Melbourne Gaol will be transformed into an American style whisky bar like no other. With more than 12 small bars, each representing a whisky , wine or beer brand. Ticket entry includes 2 drinks from a selection of whiskies, cocktail, wine or beer, a food dish created by CNK food design and a live band. Additional food and drinks will be available to be purchased on the night.Old Melbourne Gaol - 377 Russell St, MelbournePrice: $40/personExclusive Australian Whisky Dinner -Saturday 21st of June 2014Drinks and canapés on arrival at 6.00pm with the dinner commencing at 7.00pm -10.00pmMeet our local whisky legends including Mark Nicholson (Lark), David Vitale (Starward) and David Baker (Bakery Hill) over dinner. An extremely rare chance to taste and compare 8 Australian whiskies from our fast-growing local industry. In March this year Sullivan’s Cove single malt was awarded the best single malt in the world over its well-practiced Scottish siblings. In April, Lark Distillery was awarded a gold medal for its single cask single malt whisky. The industry which was founded in 1992 by Bill Lark and is growing exponentially in both size, quality and reputation. This is an opportunity to hear and taste the story from the beginning to where it is today. Ticket includes a whisky and canapés on arrival, 8 Australian whiskies each from different distilleries, a 3 course dinner created by Peter Rowland catering and a full presentation by leading distillers. A silent auction will take place over the course of the night.The Ballroom at Rippon Lea - 192 Hotham St, ElsternwickPrice: $160/person

If you have any questions please call the National Trust Bookings Office on 03 9656 9804 or email bookings@nattrust.com.au. Please note these events are restricted to those aged 18 years and over (excluding "Whisky on the Lawn"). Please drink responsibly. "

Overeem Bourbon Matured Cask Strength - first releaseTasted (and loved) back in January, the Overeem Bourbon Cask whisky has now been released as a Cask Strength (60% ABV) whisky, from a 100L first-fill American oak barrel. Only 111 bottles are available in this first release, at $259 in a special gift box with two Overeem Glencairn glasses. Enquiries / orders can be made by contacting Jane Overeem at info@oldhobartdistillery.com or 0418 399 077.